An expansion project at Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum at UW-Fond du Lac is expected to add prairie and trails, an outdoor classroom and new education center to an area that has been captivating visitors with natural beauty since it was established in 1991.

Native plants that once grew at the site were re-established by a group of volunteers, providing a place for public enjoyment and education.

"Say you're a business person and stressed at the end of the day. What's better than to take a nice leisurely stroll with the wind blowing through your hair? Life is so fast. I feel like the 40 acres offers a bit of peace and quiet. You don't hear the highway — you hear the birds and you hear the breeze," Prairie Executive Director Tracy McDermott said.

McDermott said it has been an exceptional year for the prairie and she encourages people to visit the area over the next few weeks.

Expansion

The three-pronged expansion plan was unveiled recently at its Prairie Fest. Estimates peg the overall cost at about $250,000.

• The first phase will add six acres of prairie that currently is a grassy area just east of the parking lot. Biking and walking trails at the Prairie will have connecting paths to the Fond du Lac Bike Loop around the city.

"There are going to be prairie plants, but (also) wetland plants," McDermott said. "There will be different grasses and sedges. A trail will lead through three different prairie environments at the Gottfried: dry, mesic and wet. The prairie are primarily grasses with forbs (flowering plants).

"The six additional acres will be different species with more variety, including tall grasses and sedges," McDermott added.

She said replanting a prairie is a lot of work and takes years. Preparation includes removal of existing grass to reduce turf area.

• The second phase will add an outdoor classroom. It will be "very natural, unobtrusive," McDermott said, and accommodate about 100 students. Plans call for a versatile site for musical performances, theater, a stage or lecture. The classroom is planned near the prairie's pond.

"It's a completely outside, outdoor classroom," McDermott explained. "Picture the Buttermilk (Creek Park) amphitheater. It will be built in a bermed crescent shape, built in the rock with stone seating and grass seating.

A "dedication pathway" will connect the classroom to the parking lot, with brick pavers available for purchase. McDermott said the pavers will provide an affordable way to be part of something that will be used for many years.

• The third phase incorporates a new pavilion/educational center to be located off the parking lot. The small structure would be used for meetings and storage of field guides and tour materials.

Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum sits on land owned by Fond du Lac County that is home to UW-Fond du Lac.

Bradley Gottfried, a former dean of the college, recognized the benefit of dedicating natural areas. McDermott said the area was named after Gottfried because of his vision of environmental education at the campus and persistence in restoration of native prairie.

Prior to settlement, most of Fond du Lac County and an estimated 60 percent of Wisconsin was covered with prairie grasses. As the area developed into a farm community, much of the native prairie was tilled under, leaving only small remnants of the original plant life.

The prairie project began in 1991 with a goal of representing the original plant communities of Wisconsin in a small arboretum.

Volunteers have planted 42 acres of native prairie grasses and wildflowers, developed two wildlife ponds and planted 176 native trees and shrubs. Most of the wildflower seeds were collected from some of the last remaining original prairie sites in Fond du Lac County, as well as railroad right-of-ways, including at the Wild Goose Trail.

There's an interpretive trail, six benches, two picnic tables and a kiosk along the bike trail with posters of plant species. A prairie pavilion also includes educational information.

Brian Kolstad, chair of the UW-Fond du Lac Arboretum Advisory Committee, has been involved with the prairie organization since 2011.

"I've always wanted to protect the environmental aspect of our community and this is a great way to do that," he said.

The prairie promotes biological diversity by enhancing habitat for insects, birds, and small and large mammals, Kolstad said. He is excited about the addition of a wet prairie that will be accessed with walking paths and a raised boardwalk.

"I go out there frequently to take pictures," he said. "It's a good place to see the changing seasons throughout the year."

Dr. John Short, dean of UW-Fond du Lac, said it's exciting to see expansion of a campus area that emphasizes the environment and ecological issues.

Short said the plans for an outdoor building that will allow for more classes, presentations and performances is a way to connect artists to science and public policy.

"I think this is an example of creative animated democracy in action," he said.

Short, who said he is fortunate to have an office near the prairie and arboretum, said it provides a perfect place to "walk and meditate and take a break."

Promoting the environment

A nature-inspired artist, McDermott said she grew up in the country near Oakfield and has always been interested in nature and the environment.

She volunteered with the Gottfried for several years before the paid position of executive director became available. There are two other paid part-time employees: Connie Ramthun, education coordinator, and groundskeeper Julie Hellwig. Sally Scott volunteers as director of development.

Just as important are volunteers who keep the prairie healthy. McDermott said a lot of effort is made to keep invasive species out. Recently invasive species Common St. Johnswort, red clover and Curly Dock were pulled. Seeds may blow in the wind or be transported by birds, on shoes or on vehicles.

"It's kind of a daunting task," McDermott said. "With a prairie in the middle of the city there is stuff always trying to come in."

Sometimes it's an aggressive native plant that needs to be kept in check. Rosin Weed leaches out toxins that kill plants around it and can overtake an area, she observed.

Efforts to maintain diverse plant species helps attract unique birds, insects and animals. McDermott said foxes and a pair of deer recently were seen at the prairie. Clay-colored sparrow, woodcocks, numerous finches and red-winged blackbirds are just a few of the interesting birds that have been spotted.

Getting involved

The ongoing efforts of the prairie and arboretum board include maintaining the prairie and providing educational opportunities for the community. Programs are presented monthly at UW-Fond du Lac and Prairie Fest is held every summer with presentations, tours and entertainment throughout the day.

Credit and non-credit courses about prairie restoration are offered by UW-Fond du Lac and Marian University.

Friends of the Gottfried meet on-site Thursday mornings and work on maintenance and other tasks.

More information about the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum is available at gottfriedprairiearboretum.org